Cuspidatispora xiphiago gen. et sp. nov. from an eastern North American creek

An interesting aquatic ascomycete was found that appeared to possess characteristics of some members of the Sordariales. Subsequent sequencing of the 28S large subunit rDNA and β-tubulin genes confirmed the morphological data by placing it in the Sordariales but failed to provide support for placing this species in any recognized genus. Therefore, a new genus, Cuspidatispora, is erected to accommodate Cuspidatispora xiphiago, which is described as a new species based on a combination of morphological and molecular data. Cuspidatispora xiphiago is unique in possessing a central, melanized ascomal wall layer and apiosporous ascospores with a pronounced apical wall extension.